Arsene Wenger wields the axe as Arsenal prepare summer clear out

WIELD THE AXE: Arsene Wenger is preparing to show 11 players the door [GETTY]

The club confirmed the news they had decided against trying to retain 11 stars set to leave the club on June 30, with several having already worked out deal with other clubs weeks ago.

Strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Ju Young Park come to the end of their contracts, while the loans of Kim Kallstrom and Emiliano Viviano are set to conclude.

Gunners right-back Bacary Sagna has agreed a deal to join Premier League rivals Manchester City, while academy players Chuks Aneke, Daniel Boateng, Zach Fagan and Leander Siemann also depart having reached the end of their current agreements.

The Frenchman has penned a three-year deal at the Etihad Stadium after deciding to quit the Emirates.

Zak Ansah has agreed a move to Charlton and veteran shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski will join Swansea City when his deal expires in a few days time.

Other players linked with moves away from the club include skipper Thomas Vermaelen, who is wanted at Manchester United, and midfielder Santi Carzola, who is wanted at Atletico Madrid.

A club statement said: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to take this opportunity to thank all of these players for their contribution to the club, and to wish them well for the future."